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Thursday, February 2, 2012

I'm Reviewing the Situation

While the full-on Atkins Induction/22 grams of carbs/meatfest was great for the first 4 weeks or so, this past week zoomed into a sharp attitudinal decline. A sort of PMS on steroids. Not good, not comfortable. All it took was a few common stresses to bring it to a boil. After some emails, talking to some pals and thinking on it, the diet has to change. I can't do what I did 15 years or even 7 years ago. My body has changed, my abilities have changed- which eliminated some key coping mechanisms- and I'm at "the change". Not a smart time to severely cut carbs for an extended period.

I am really tickled at having lost 18 pounds in the last month. But this diet isn't sustainable for the long run. Not for 3 more months, even. So I've decided to change tack, and do the dreaded "sensible" thing. No flours (that's out of my system at least), no sugar. More along the lines of a primal diet. Meats, fresh fruits and veggies. Which should help with the effects of high pro that aren't desirable. And will still be viable to drop the remaining weight. This is beyond seeing Greg in April; this is about regaining health and being able to keep it.

Funny how sometimes I start out on a project and its focus shifts to something else as it goes along. When I quit opiates, it was initially to give the finger to my doc and the new regulations that office had begun. It was a protest. A protest that took me far and away from how I'd been existing for 4 years. Guess that's how I am. I have to go drastic to make a big change. Eventually I settle into a new reality. It's all good.

8 comments:

Can you hear my happy sigh? :) I can understand your intent, having been an extremist myself. But so happy to hear you're in phase two of Operation Greg. And hopeful of a potential phase three with the inclusion of multigrain and oats. ;)

Oh Boo, don't worry. But don't expect the oats and grains. I never liked them and flat out won't eat them without sugar or unless they're in bread, both of which are out. Maybe when I'm 90 and oatmeal is all I can ingest.. but until then... yuk.

Sensible move.I was on the Atkins for about 3 months, with quite a substantial weight loss, then swithced to Atkins+.Thye lus being about 100g ofcarbo a day, usually as a pasta.I felt great.Unfortunately, my wife and doctor insisted the fat and egg portions were fr too large, so I had to end the whole thing. My weight has ballooned since.

I am so glad you are changing your diet. Even though you lose weight quickly on Atkins and South Beach, it is not sustainable, nor is it healthy. You have lost more weight in one month than I have in four months, but I can continue this and do it for life. We are not going to look like we did 20 years ago (or even 5 years ago), no matter how much weight we lose. Being healthy and feeing good about yourself is more important. You are doing the right thing Laura. You will slim down the right way, and your days will be better.